Rigney's Waterloo bid ends at last-16

SOPHIE RIGNEY . . . beaten 21-15 by Sue Worrall

SOPHIE Rigney's dream of adding the Waterloo Women's title to her Green Final Handicap success ended in the last 16 in Blackpool yesterday.

After beating Sue Rogers 21-17 in the last 32, the 23-year-old Oldhamer succumbed 21-15 to Sue Worrall, who then lost 21-20 in the quarter-finals.

The final, between Linda Williams and Kaye Coulthard, will be televised live by ITV4 during the station's coverage of the men's finals day on Wednesday.

NIMBLE Nook and Tonge's Gary Ellis and Matt Gillies both had to come from behind to book their place in the last 32 of the men's Waterloo.

They were in action today, Gillies taking on Stockport's Jamie Bramley and Ellis facing Callum Wraight in the tie of the round.

Gillies overcame Gary Wike (Leeds) 21-18 in the last 64, while it was an even closer shave for Ellis who nailed Morecambe outsider Mark Martindale 21-20.

Ellis won his 13th major title of the season when he beat Stuart Mort (Standish) 31-28 in the final of the Brownedge Classic in Preston.

Friday's win earned Ellis £800 to add to his considerable winnings this season.